Frequently Asked Questions

Archive of questions posed about exercise, nutrition and cancer, answered by OncoLink experts.

Fatigue

Fatigue after Ovarian Cancer Treatment My mother has stage 4 Ovarian Cancer. She can no longer eat and has a feeding tube. Since coming home she seems very tired, frustrated, and does not wish to engage in any activities. Do you have any hints how we could help her? It is a real exercise in tact. Thank you. Lora Packel MS, PT, Coordinator of Cancer
Questions about Chemotherapy-related Fatigue Can chemotherapy-related fatigue last 5 months after treatment has ended? I recently returned to work as a teacher and felt dizzy and off balance. Can the fatigue reoccur slightly after returning to work? Lora Packel MS, PT, Coordinator of Cancer Therapy Services for the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania,
Chronic fatigue after bone marrow transplant Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I work with bone marrow transplant patients who often complain about chronic fatigue even years after their transplant. Is there any research or articles written on this subject? These patients are in their 30's or 40's and the fatigue is very depressing to them. Lora Packel MS, PT, Coordinator of Cancer
Fatigue During Radiation Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My husband got radiation treatment 10 years ago. He sailed through it and worked full time. I am getting radiation for breast cancer now and am so tired I can hardly get out of bed some days. Am I feeling tired from the radiation and why did my husband not have these problems? He thinks I’m being dramatic!Tammi
Fatigue Continues After Treatment Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Can chemotherapy-related fatigue last 5 months after treatment has ended? I recently returned to work as a teacher and felt dizzy and off balance. Can the fatigue reoccur slightly after returning to work?Lora Packel MS, PT, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia,
Feeling Tired After Treatment Question I have felt so tired since finishing my treatment, what can I do to get some energy back? Answer Nicole Ross, RN, MSN, OCN - Radiation Oncology Nurse at Penn Medicine, responds: Fatigue is a very common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Typically, energy levels should start increasing slowly a few weeks after
Fatigue After Lung Cancer Treatment Question My father-in-law has received chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment for small cell lung cancer in both lungs and his head. He has been told that the tumor in his lungs has been burned away with part of his lung. He is now anemic and very tired and constantly feels unwell. His doctor will not give him any medication to help even though
Dealing with Fatigue QuestionI feel so exhausted from my treatments. What can I do to give myself more pep? Some say I should exercise, but won't I get short of breath, since after all, I have lung cancer? AnswerCharu Aggarwal, MD, MPH, Medical Oncologist at Penn Medicine, responds: Keeping fit and staying healthy is important for you while you get chemotherapy. If